I think the devil likes dominoes. He likes to create a spark of conflict or annoyance with an acquaintance—the first domino falls—then he throws in an epic spill of the orange juice jug from my child at breakfast—another domino falls.
Then he tosses in a whispered snicker of health threats that shut down life and rattle once-close relationships—a domino falls—then he gains momentum and throws in fires and floods—more dominoes fall. Then humanitarian crises that shatter our hope in humanity, even more dominoes fall.
But this week my 8 and 11-year-old boys have been learning about Newton’s Laws of Physics, and as we study together the workings of God’s spectacular creation, we read about Newton’s Third Law. This Third Law states that when two objects interact, they apply forces to each other of equal magnitude and opposite direction.
Applying Newton’s Third Law
Let’s apply Newton’s Third Law to the dominoes I just described where “evil” is the devil’s force pushing down dominoes and “good” is God’s force of love holding them up.
When that first spark of conflict arises to push down the first domino, and I am rooted in God’s Word, I can pick that first domino right back up as I remember I am called to love. I realize I have been forgiven much, so why not extend such grace to the one offending me?
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
When the second domino teeters, I look over and see my six-year-old son’s toothy grin and realize I only have so much time with him at home. I smile back in love, give him a hug and mop up the juice.
The floor needed cleaning anyway. The domino still stands.
Choosing rest
When the next threat of health arrives, I choose to rest in the arms of my Maker and ask for wisdom. He answers and reminds me he has called so many people to a life’s work of pursuing the knowledge of health—and I end up on my knees praying for our devoted doctors, nurses, researchers, and healthcare workers.
As the next domino threats of national disasters and humanitarian crises come, I can’t hold them up any longer. I’m tired, and they are just too heavy. The dominoes crash to the ground. There are two forces at work, and my heart shatters at the magnitude of pain in the world.
I feel helpless. But once again I cry out in prayer to a God who is greater than all (Matthew 19:26), and I’m reminded there are two forces here at work: Satan and my God.
And my God can make flat dominoes stand right back up. My God raises the dead to life!!! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3).
Because I’ve accepted Jesus as my Savior, I have received the Holy Spirit in my heart. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Cor. 1:22).
A part of the love force
I am a part of God’s “force”—his love force. And while I can’t reach out and make all the horrific heartache of the world go away, I can do something today to push back against the opposing “force” of Satan’s schemes.
As a part of God’s love force, I can keep praying. I can donate to humanitarian organizations on the ground in the countries in crisis. I can buy flowers and give them to the cashier when I go to pick up bread at the store today (watch out, you might get hugged!).
I can give out Gatorades to the road crew near my house. I can take my kids with me to drop off cases of water to our local shelter for those living on the streets of our city without homes. I can stay present with my children and bake cookies with them and listen to them and blow bubbles with them and read stories to them filled with wonder.
I’m putting dominoes back up today. I’m a part of the opposing “force” of evil. I’m staying connected to the “force” of love—my God who is love (1 John 4:8), and spreading his love all around. I’m a part of the love force. You can be, too.
Consider a few extra resources:
Freedom in Christ—a more enjoyable way to live
Hockey, Slurpees, and Jesus: Everyday faith adventures with our kids
